Brendan Fraser Reveals Ian McKellen’s Essential Advice While Filming ‘Gods and Monsters’

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Reflecting on my own journey through the intricate labyrinth of Hollywood, I can’t help but remember a piece of wisdom bestowed upon me by a fellow traveler, the illustrious Sir Ian McKellen, famously known as Gandalf. This guidance proved to be an indispensable compass when navigating the relentless machinery of this industry.

In the ’90s, there wasn’t a more promising actor than Fraser. The young performer could be found in numerous films and roles. In 1998, he teamed up with McKellen for a biographical movie, where Fraser portrayed Clayton, a gardener who developed a friendship with James Whale, the horror director known for his work on ‘Frankenstein’ films from the 1930s.

The movie garnered numerous praises from critics and even earned three nominations for the Academy Awards, winning the prize for Best Screenplay – Adapted from Existing Material. However, despite positive reviews, the film flopped at the box office. Yet, this setback didn’t hinder the success of its two main actors, as they saw their careers flourish afterward. In an interview with Deadline, Fraser mentioned a valuable piece of advice his co-star had given him during the production. Throughout his career downturn that he believed would be permanent, these words from his colleague remained significant to him:

From what I picked up from Ian McKellen, he emphasized treating each job like it’s your very first and last chance. That’s the mindset that brings work to life.

During the 2010s, it appeared that the actor had stepped away from mainstream projects, limiting himself to smaller, less distributed independent films. However, in 2022, a role in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” offered him a comeback that was long overdue. His performance sparked Oscar discussions, with many anticipating Fraser would take home an Academy Award. True to form, in 2023, Fraser emerged victorious in the Best Actor category for his work in the film. Interestingly, the only significant award Fraser failed to secure was the Golden Globe; Austin Butler’s portrayal of Elvis seemed to captivate voters more.

Brendan Fraser‘s Return to Hollywood Is Inspiring

Since his return, Fraser has been featured in numerous prominent TV shows and films. He recently joined the cast of the superhero series Doom Patrol, and is set to appear in upcoming film projects such as the historical drama Pressure. Despite being involved in an increasing number of projects, Fraser remains the modest and astonished individual who was taken aback when his performance received standing ovations, causing him to become emotional. As stated by Fraser during his interview with Deadline:

I can’t believe it’s really happening and I may never stop feeling this way. Even when strangers recognize me, it surprises me because I always remember being told, ‘Fraser, get back to work in the dish pit.’ I hope I never forget those days.

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2025-01-13 04:32